Margate voters return Peerman, Talerico

MARGATE — With five seats up for grabs, at least two commissioners were returned to office Tuesday, and at least two fresh faces will be on the dais.

But the race between Vice Mayor David McLean and two challengers was a squeaker, with just a few votes separating them.

Frank Talerico, a commissioner since 1994, easily was returned to office after promising to lure more business and establish a charter review board. He was opposed by political newcomer Phil Hylander, owner of a property management company who was also campaigning for redevelopment.

Talerico said he was "honored, privileged" to be back. "I'm happy as a clam," he said, since he can continue working on pet projects such as developing the city's downtown.

Lesa "Le" Peerman also handily won her race against Frederick Schweitzer. She had defeated 12 challengers in a special election last year.

Peerman, who campaigned for a lower tax rate, said "I just barely got started. I'm glad to be able to keep continuing to work and I'm glad people have faith in me."

On the other hand, McLean, who had served eight years on the commission, was battling to hang on to his seat.

Unlike his last election where he had no challengers, this time he had two of them. Frank Messana, a former city commissioner in North Lauderdale from 1999-2002, had tried to unseat Talerico in 2008. This time he challenged McLean. So did Brian Donahue, who tried to win the seat captured by Peerman last year.

McLean was the subject of a contentious battle at City Hall after allegations he misused his city credit card. One commissioner even asked him to resign, which he refused to do.

"I thought I'd be ahead by 1,000 because of what he did," Messana said as the votes were still being counted late into the night.

For Seat 4, voters chose Tommy Ruzzano, a contractor who said he would donate his monthly commission salary. He beat challengers John Hall, Joyce Williams Bryan, Rich Popovic and Virgil Willis.

"I'm very excited," said Ruzzano, who said he was frustrated with the way Margate looked versus neighboring cities such as Coral Springs and Coconut Creek.

"I can't wait to take on the project of getting Margate going in the right steps," he said. "I have my job cut out and I'm definitely looking forward to it."

For Seat 5, Joanne Simone, a retired elementary school teacher, defeated Scott Yardley, a computer programmer. "Praise the Lord," she said. "I know I'm going to be able to do some good. I am so interested in the city and the residents and the businesses and wanting to help them. I am absolutely thrilled."

Longtime Mayor Pam Donovan and Commissioner Joe Varsallone had both opted not to run for re-election.

"It's time for new blood," said Donovan. "Let's hope they do something good for Margate."